1987 Ford Bronco II Problems
- Complaints
- 36filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 9,900miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.9L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Ford Bronco II (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 36 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford Bronco II. The part named most often is electrical system, with 8 complaints (22% of the total), followed by fuel system (8) and seat belts (6). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 9,900 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 6 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hoses, lines/piping, and fittings filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system8 22%
- Fuel system8 22%
- Seat belts6 17%
- Brakes3 8.3%
- Engine cooling3 8.3%
- Body and structure1 2.8%
- Suspension1 2.8%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “When traveling about 40-50 MPH vehicle caught on fire under the hood left front engine area, melting the fuel line/ brake master cylinder. Vehicle was totalled. Consumer contacted the dealer. Fire department was called, could not quite determine the cause of the fire, stated mechanical failure. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #836767, filed 1999-04Fuel system: “Bought the bronco and started having problems with it, it started sputting like it was out of gas when it was full(I just put a full tank in it when I picked it up at a friends.”
NHTSA complaint #10110478, filed 2005-02, 9,900 milesVehicle speed control: “Whenever vehicle is started up, it would surges out of control; when shifting into drive, vehicle immediately takes off. Would have loss of steering control. Has not taken to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #819879, filed 1998-04Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 9,900 and 9,900 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Ford Bronco II version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronco II 2WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Bronco II 2WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Bronco II 4WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Bronco II 4WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Bronco II 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
- 87V070000May 18, 1987Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Ford Bronco II 1987, Ranger 1987
Stickers concerning handling and maneuverability which are affixed to drivers sun visor sleeves do not meet criteria for permanent adhesion.
- 87V039000Mar 23, 1987Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studsCovers: Ford Bronco II 1987
Aluminum wheels may have been installed with improper lug nuts.
Recall details for the 1987 Ford Bronco II → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP97006Vehicle rolloverClosed · Dec 3, 1997
- PE92029Whl separation/torque lossClosed · Mar 16, 1992
- EA89013Rollover propensityClosed · Feb 9, 1989
- PE88008Lumbar swtch hrness firesClosed · Nov 18, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Ford Bronco II.
Other model years of the Ford Bronco II
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 26 | 164,058 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 39 | — | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 45 | 54,606 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 36 | 9,900 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 33 | 89,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 13 | 106,000 | 0 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 13 | 111,000 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Bronco II model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Ford Bronco II have?
NHTSA recorded 36 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford Bronco II as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Ford Bronco II is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 8 complaints (22% of the total), followed by fuel system with 8.
Has the 1987 Ford Bronco II been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Ford Bronco II get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Ford Bronco II (Bronco II 2WD, 2.9L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1987 Ford Bronco II reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 9,900 miles and the middle half falls between 9,900 and 9,900 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.